Farfalle with Nettle Pesto

Nettle pesto is a tasty variation of the better-known Genoese pesto, greatly appreciated for its delicate taste and for the nutritional properties of nettles, which are rich in vitamins and minerals. Here is the recipe to prepare delicious farfalle with nettle pesto.

Ingredients

• 320 g of farfalle (pasta)
• 100 g of young nettle leaves
• 30 g of pine nuts
• 1 clove of garlic
• 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• 50 g of grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• Extra virgin olive oil as needed
• Salt as needed
• Water for cooking pasta

Preparation

1. Start by collecting the nettles, preferably young and tender, being careful to protect your hands with gloves to avoid irritation.
2. Wash the nettles thoroughly and blanch them for a couple of minutes in boiling salted water. This process helps to eliminate the stinging component of nettles.
3. Drain the nettles and quickly pass them under cold water to maintain a bright green color.
4. Meanwhile, in a pan, lightly toast the pine nuts until they become golden. This step will help to enhance their flavor.
5. Put the nettles in a mixer with the toasted pine nuts, the garlic clove after removing the core, a pinch of salt, and the grated cheeses. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and blend everything until you get a homogeneous mix. If necessary, add more oil to reach the desired consistency.
6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle according to the instructions on the package, until al dente.
7. Drain the pasta, reserving a few tablespoons of the cooking water that can be used to soften the pesto if it is too thick.
8. Put the farfalle in a large bowl, add the nettle pesto, and mix well to evenly coat the pasta. If the pesto is too thick, use the reserved cooking water to reach the desired consistency.
9. Serve the farfalle with nettle pesto warm, possibly adding a sprinkling of grated cheese at the moment.

Curiosity

Nettles have been used for centuries not just in cooking but also in traditional medicine. Rich in iron, they are a remedy for circulation and anemia. Make sure to gather them from a place away from pollution sources and rinse them well before use.